Christmas 2011

I was lucky enough to have the whole family down here with me for Christmas.  It's lovely to have all the family in the one country for a change.

After the celebrations here, I headed up to Queensland to visit with my son and check out his new house.  He and Branden have settled in very well.  The traffic on the way up there was terrible,  but once we got ourselves onto the New England Highway, it was much easier driving.  It also gave Branden the opportunity to see a little more of the country side.  Even the drive home again on my own wasn't so bad - although I must admit it is a long way to go on your own and for such a short period of time.



Quilting 2012

Well, to the more interesting things.  Firstly, our sewing group each did a quilt made from a jelly roll.  The aim was to reduce our "stash", so the requirement was that it had to be made with something that you already had in the cupboard.

Very easy for me.  It was all finished and quilted and is now sitting in the cupboard, waiting for a reason to be used.  I am very pleased with the finished quilt.  In fact they were all lovely - and all very different.

No doubt we will do a similar project.  I certainly have plenty of fabrics to choose from.

I was lucky enough to have the assistance of Bob and have replaced small cupboards in my sewing area with much larger ones.  I now have a wall of cupboards for my stash. 

I have also used Fabric Organisers from  DeNiece's Designs to help me store the fabrics in a better way. Still have to do quite a bit of reorganising, but it is getting there.

As a result, I have given myself the task of completing some of the UFOs that I have uncovered.  I find I am great at making quilt tops ('cause I love to see the fabrics all come together), but not good at putting on borders and finishing the quilts.

So, here are some results so far.

Rhymes & Stars - made for a friend from work who has just had a baby boy.  No, it wasn't an unfinished quilt top, but it was made from fabric out of the stash.

Butterfly Windows - finished yeah!! This one was originally made for my granddaughter, but then decided it was a bit "bright" for a young baby, so it went into that UFO pile.  It is now finished and waiting for a home.

Mystic Pinwheels - Ok, not technically out of the stash.  The pattern was given to me by a quilting friend in Queensland and I just had to make it.  So I bought some fabrics on my visits to fabric stores while visiting in Brisbane and more in Newcastle and couldn't wait to get it started.  Very happy with the finished quilt and intend to give it to some friends as a wedding gift.  Hope they love it too.

Have another couple of things on the go, but I will keep those for another post - hopefully not so far away.

New Zealand Cruise




Sailing out of Sydney Harbour

 



Well December saw me take a much needed break from work and together with my Mum, headed off on a cruise to New Zealand.  Mum and I had a fabulous time and found the cruise on the Volendam every bit as good as we expected it to be.  I have come to the conclusion though that sailing on the open seas is not necessarily for me.  While the weather wasn't too bad on the way over, I still managed to get just a little bit sea sick - just enough to put me off my food until I could get the Kwells into me!!



Mum - Managed to climb half way to Oban



We did a bit of sight seeing at every port and lots of shopping.    First stop was Oban and although there was not much to see (big hill had to be tackled to get to the town on the other side).  We did manage to make it half way and I climbed to the top of the hill so I could get a photo of the other side.  Then we took off in a much smaller boat for a tour of Patterson Inlet.  It was very interesting.

Did a wonderful tour in Dunedin, complete with Scottish tour guide.  He told wonderful tales.

Loved Napier and thoroughly enjoyed getting a hire car and driving to Rotorua - even getting lost on the way back and seeing much more of the island than we anticipated.  Unfortunately the weather turned even worse and we weren't able to go to the Bay of Islands - we were both very disappointed.  Not to worry, lovely time was had and some very special memories I have now of this holiday with my mum.  

Old church - Dunedin (I think)




Mum and our tour guide in Dunedin


 


Napier - wonderful Art Deco buildings

 





Catching Up

Can't believe it has been nearly 18 months since I have written on my blog.  Anyone would think I had fallen off the end of the world.  Well, that definitely hasn't been the case.  It has been more that things have been so busy, there just didn't seem to be time to do the updating in this spot.

Well, so what have I been up to since February 2011 - lots.  Bob and I had a wonderful holiday to Canada and Alaska in May/June of last year - my how quickly that time has gone.  We went with Scenic Tours and had the best time.  The organisation of the trip was extremely well done and we thoroughly enjoyed our time away.  The scenery was just so amazing and we were able to get some really incredible photos.  I will post just a couple.

Lake Louise - sunrise over the Glacier

Sunset over the Inside Passage

The fabulous Buchhart Gardens in Victoria

When it was time to come back to work - pandemonium broke out.  Well, not quite, but it certainly did feel like it for the next few months.  We went through some major changes which included closing a Blast Furnace and putting off nearly 1,000 people.  Needless to say I was kept very busy.

New Years Eve of course was spent in bed!! What an auspicious start to a new year. I think it took me about 3 days to get over the travel - but maybe there was a bit of acclimatising to the heat again after the cold.

My daughter was staying with me and she organised a family get together. We had a lovely lunch and a much needed catch up with everyone. My grandson played havoc with the hose - but guess that was my fault - I gave it to him. Lots of laughing done, but unfortunately no photos taken. Ashleigh was thrilled with her quilt, and even managed to pack it into her carry on luggage to take back with her - darn it, it looked really nice on her bed in my placed!!!

I spent a couple of days with a girlfriend down at Batemans Bay and managed a quick trip to Moruya - and Stephs Patchwork and would you believe bought fabric there. I laughingly told her about being in the States and not buying anything!!! Oh well, doing my bit for the economy.

When I got back home, it was to just relax some more before returning to work on Tuesday. Unfortunately at work the air conditioning wasn't working, so that didn't really help me feel better about going back to work.

I did manage to get some more work done on my Meadow Sweet blocks - the machine is still on the dining room table, where I can benefit from the comfort of the air conditioner. Still not close to finished though - work in progress!!

Well, it is already the middle of January - where has the time gone. Despite really good intentions, I wasn't able to keep up the detail in this blog. Just didn't seem to be enough time to write up my "diary" for my own benefit, download my pictures, check facebook and write in the blog. And the photos seemed to take forever to upload.

I have been back in Australia since New Years Eve, back at work since 11 January and I have no idea what happened to the time in between. I do know I haven't done any of the things that needed doing around the house - oven cleaning, shower cleaning and tidying of cupboards and drawers. Good thing (I guess) they are still there - there are no fairy godmothers in my house!!! Not to worry, I will just have to leave them until the next lot of holidays and see if I can get enthusiastic then!!

So to backtrack - Christmas was lovely with no snow on that day, but plenty a day or so after. Lots of havoc created in places I had been to, but we seemed to be rather fortunate in Portland. I was assured it was because the weather was not unusual for them, so they are prepared for it.

On our way to Mt Washington, the boys were persuaded to take me to Keepsake Quilting in Center Harbor (North Hampshire). What an amazing store that was. So much fabric. I still can't believe I spent nearly 2 hours in the shop and came out with absolutely no fabric. It was just a case of fabric overload I think. I'm sure if I'd had the opportunity to go back I would have succumbed, but considering my bags on the way back, I guess it was probably a good thing I didn't get that opportunity.

After the snow storms, Peter insisted that I had to have a turn taboggoning down the hill. That's me in the photo - hanging on for dear life. It was great fun, although there was a little panic when the thing started turning and I couldn't see where the one rock in the paddock was!! Peter followed me down, just to make sure I didn't get into any trouble (what a good son). It was fun - shame about the walk back up the hill. The one trip down was sufficient for me. I left the fun to the "younger" ones.

The cold eventually got the better of me and I ended up reading in the car until they had finished with their fun. Managed to catch the snow blower clearing the sidewalks. Wondered how they got such lovely neat mounds on the side of the roads.

Arrvied in Portland on Sunday night, just after they received some fresh snow. Went on a tour of the lighthouses in Portland - it was VERY cold and windy.

Lots of wandering around the Old Port area - wonderful craft shops. Have also been eating rather well - can you imagine having lobster sandwiches for lunch!!! Then topped it off with a half a lobster for dinner as well. Figure I wouldn't normally eat it at home, so best make the best of it here where it is so cheap! Don't you just love the "hat hair"!!!

My son is taking me to Mount Washington Resort as my xmas present - how spoilt am I?! Spent a wonderful Christmas Eve being pampered in the Spa while Peter went skiing. What an amazing resort this is - so picturesque. And yes, it is very cold - but beautiful. Looks just like a postcard doesn't it?!

Back in Portland tonight and there is a snow storm warning for tonight. The cars are not to park on the side of the road, so that they will be able to clear the roads of snow. Must admit, it is pretty blowy out there at the moment, I will be interested to see what it looks like tomorrow.

Tuesday, 21 December - after two wonderful days in Boston, it was off to New York with my son Peter. Have had a wonderful time. Seen lots of sights, Empire State Building, Central Park, Statue of Liberty and even ventured into Tiffany's.

Then on to the Rockerfeller Center. Below is the Swarovski star and below that the most famous christmas tree in the world (so I overheard someone say).

Must admit, it was pretty impressive. Can't get over the number of people around - and cars. I thought Sydney was busy - it's nothing on New York traffic!!!

Have been told that it's snowing in Portland and that's where I'm off to next. White Christmas after all - hurray!!

Friday - 17 December

Well, despite the cosy bed, I still was awake relatively early – 7.30 am. Have fluffed around in the hotel room until 10 and am just about to head out on my own – where to first I wonder???

Headed up to the Information Centre to find out where I should go – first stop though was the shopping centre – or should I say – Macys. In fact, that took up most of the morning – well, all of it actually.

Bought myself three pair of jeans ($80 for all – they were on sale), some gloves (to keep my hands from freezing) and some makeup (which I thought was cheaper, but still saved nearly $30).

Went into a “Pharmacy” which was more like going into an IGA – they even had those check out yourself registers, like Woolies.

Got sick of shopping (I just kept spending money – and wondering how I was going to carry it all), so headed back to the hotel to offload. By 2 pm I was trying to get on the “hop on hop off” tram ride, but the tourist guy at the hotel suggested I would be better off waiting till tomorrow when I have more time. So I was walking again – up to Boston Common and the Boston Gardens.

The lake in the gardens is all frozen over – except for a little circle of water, with 2 ducks in it (see photo below). The gardens look lovely although a little bare – they would be magnificent in spring and autumn. Saw a group of children “carolling” around the streets – how cute. But oh, this body is not meant for walking and standing so long.

Back aching, footsore and needing a toilet, headed back to the hotel where by 4.30 I was in bed having a “rest” because I was falling asleep in front of the computer while looking at my photos!!

It’s now about 8.30 and I’m not going anywhere – much too cold. Those long johns I bought, thinking I wouldn’t need them – I had them on this afternoon so the cold wouldn’t go straight through my jeans.

Well, tomorrow is another day!!

Thursday - 16 December

So many things going round and round in my mind had to take a sleeping tablet so I could actually get some sleep. Managed to go off eventually and then was up and getting everything packed to head up to James & Jen’s place. Jennifer took me to the airport – with no fuss or traffic jams. As a result, I was there about 4 hours before the flight. Not to worry, had plenty of time to do some shopping before boarding the flight.

Lots of sitting around waiting, but eventually got onto the plane. We then sat on the runway for another hour so it was after 5.30 before we even left Sydney. Now in the air and oh, do I know what Ashleigh meant about the plane not being up to my usual standard!! I was getting excited about the movies I would be able to see – only to find that there are no individual monitors (think local flights between Melbourne or Brisbane & Sydney) – I am watching 'Eat Pray Love' on a crappy little monitor in the aisle. Added to that I am in the window seat – which in itself is not bad – but there is no room to move. Just hope my bladder can hold out for the 12 hour flight!! There are a couple of nice flight attendants, but the one female on this side is chewing gum as she serves and I don’t think she knows how to smile. Never mind, I smiled at her, so that probably made her day.

Not sure how much sleep I will get under these conditions, but here’s hoping.

Well, despite taking a sleeping tablet and watching another movie (Charlie St Cloud), sleep eluded me, so this felt like the longest flight of all time. When I did finally manage to get to sleep, it was only for about 2 hours and I was sleeping with my mouth wide open, so goodness knows what sounds were coming out!

Arrived in San Francisco – lovely view coming in to land, but didn’t spot the bridge (or is that in LA?). At the airport got herded through customs – yep, had to pick up my bag first (bad advice Peter). Then was rushed through to the domestic terminal to sit and wait (some more) for the flight to Boston. Had things not been booked here, I could even have opted to stay overnight in San Francisco at the airline's expense – something they do apparently when the flights are fully booked. And it was – there wasn’t a spare seat anywhere.

Arrived in Boston picked up my bag – took out my coat & scarf – got a taxi and was safetly encsconsed in the hotel room just after midnight. Not bad – only 24 hours of travelling time. The bed looks really inviting.

White Christmas??

Well, at last the pre holiday rush has died down and I am finally on my way. Have just landed in Boston (at midnight), so am going to have a shower and hit the sack - it looks so inviting. Just wanted to get this going so that I would be a good girl and keep the news happening.

Having a very lazy weekend. Long weekend here, so have an extra day to get around to the housework. Have started a new project using Marti Michell's templates. Must admit, I am very impressed with how well the pieces are going together - matching edges is really simple because the corners are all "cut off".


Guess I should really get off my butt and cut out some more fabrics to complete the rest of the blocks. Gotta love long weekends when you have extra time doing all the things you love instead of the things you have to do!!

Oh my, a whole heap of time seems to have gone by since I last put up an entry. So, what's been happening - lots of work (of course), but weekends filled with fun things too.

A couple of weeks ago saw us spending the day at Bulli playing a friendly game of bowls. Have to say that my team won the game on the last end - and it was my bowl that was the winning bowl. Gotta be lucky sometimes!!

Then last weekend it was birthday time. My two grandchildren have their birthdays just a day apart, so it was off to Campbelltown to share gifts and help celebrate. They really are both adorable.

The next one is due in a few weeks, so luckily she won't have to share her birthday with these two!!

Lots of pressies were given for the new baby too, but of course I didn't get photos of them. The fairy quilt was shown, but I had to bring it home. Can't finish the lable until I know what name to put on it. They haven't decided on that yet. I think they are waiting until they are certain of the gender - if we're wrong, I will have to get busy and make another quilt!! Couldn't have a boy with a "fairy" quilt!!

Did manage to get Ashleigh's quilt all finished. The quilting didn't take too long. Put it on the frame and used one of the Quilter's Garden pantograph designs (Ramblings). Oh, looks like they have changed their name to Quilter's Dream & Sewing Machines - and they won the Illawarra Business of the Year for 2010 - Congratulations.

It fits rather nicely on my queen size bed, but Ashleigh only has a double where she is now, so should cover a little more. Shame though - it matches really well with the new towels in my bathroom. Guess that means I will just have to make myself something in similar colours.

Well, another weekend is over. Can't say I have achieved very much - not even what I set out to do, but nevertheless, it has been a very pleasant one.

Managed to finish Ashleigh's quilt top, and must admit I am very pleased with how it is coming along. No housework done, so the place is a bit of a mess - but that goes with being creative doesn't it?!

Went for a drive today (Sunday) down to Sussex Inlet and played a game of bowls with Robert. I played really well on a couple of ends - even managed to get more than '0' for my score. Robert still won but I gave him a run for his money.

The other bit of stunning news is that my amazing son Peter managed to find me cheap flights to the US for Xmas. How amazing - I will be having a white christmas (weather permitting). Will have to be really good now and not spend any money, so that I have spending money while there. I think I can suffer the short term strain for the long term gain! Yeah!!

Managed to get a photo of the wonderful "Peter's Quilt" this morning, before work (really must come up with a better name for it).

The photo looks OK - can't say that it bears close scrutiny, but . . . maybe he can use it for a picnic rug or something!!

Have also got 2 blocks done for a new quilt which will be for my lovely daughter, Ashleigh. She likes the Japanese style so I hope she likes mum's choices.

Actually have all of the first block finished and the one sample of the second one. Going home to work on it some more tonight. I am very happy with the way it looks. And the positive of that is that if Ashleigh doesn't like it, then I can have it for myself!!

Oh I am so tired - why is it I always feel like updating this blog at this time of night?!

Just had to record that I have had a very productive weekend - photos to come (tomorrow I will start doing this much earlier).

Grand achievement - finished a quilt that was started for my son when he was about 8 years old - he is now 31!!! Can't say it's a marvel of stitching - it is a marvel though that I have finally finished it. Promise there will be photos to come. Even though it's not something I am particularly happy to show off, I am ecstatic that one (of many) UFOs has finally hit the dust. Huh - and Peter didn't think he would ever see it.

Did manage to get the original baby quilt finished, but I've decided that perhaps it's a little old for a baby. I have decided that it will go to my older granddaughter, Brittany. She has already seen it and said she loved it, so it will be appreciated.

It was made from Laurel Burch's Dancing Horses panel. Needless to say I really like bright fabrics.

This is the first quilt that I am not happy with. It is now finished and machine quilted but it is not sitting properly. I think it might be salvagable, but it will be a good one to have at Nana's place.

The blocks on the new one are very much the same but for some reason I feel it's going to be better. It had better be - the baby is due in about 8 weeks.

And this is one of the Fairy squares.

Have just bought a copy of Electric Quilt 7. Spent the last 2 nights trying to work it out. Am pleased to say that I have now designed my first quilt. The hardest part has been choosing fabrics.

Anyway, happy with the result of this one. It is based on a quilt that is in this month's Australian Patchwork & Quilting magazine. I have some lovely fairy fabric (will be fussy cut in the blank squares) and I'm looking forward to making it for the newest grandchild. Let's hope it all works out OK. I will put pictures up as it evolves.

Big thanks to the wonderful Lynda for suggesting I attend this workshop and for being such a great travelling/sewing companion.

Wow - what a fabulously tiring weekend. Travelled up to North Sydney on Friday night to our accommodation, then up bright and early on Saturday morning. The day started out with a trunk show from Kellie and then in the afternoon we got stuck into the applique side of the project. This photo shows the finished projects (I am second from the right in the back row).

Had drinks and dinner out on Saturday night at a great Thai restaurant in Cammeray (see Corrie's blog for more photos and details). Luckily we slept more soundly on Saturday night, then we were up and at it again Sunday morning. We spent the morning practicing, with Kellie showing us how "easy" it is (NOT). By the afternoon though, it was time to bite the bullet and have a go myself. While I didn't get it all finished, when I look at it now I am relatively pleased with my efforts. Not the quality of Kellie's work, but hey practice . . . practice . . . practice!!!